FA ponder appealing decision to clear Ferguson

The Football Association will consider launching an appeal against an independent commission verdict that cleared Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz of improper conduct.

The pair were charged in relation to comments made following United's FA Cup
defeat by Portsmouth on March 8.

At an independent regulatory commission hearing yesterday the charges were
found 'not proved'.

The FA have confirmed they have the option to appeal - and refuted suggestions
a transcription error led to the commission finding the pair not guilty.

The governing body will await receipt of the full judgement and 'written
reasons' before considering further action.

As for suggestions their case failed because their belief Queiroz described
Atkinson as a 'robber' proved to be incorrect, the FA insist the charge did not
centre solely on that alleged comment.

'The charges were brought on more than just the issue of the word 'robber','
said an FA spokesman.

'At any disciplinary hearing the FA, as the prosecutor, argues its case, as
does the defence. The fact that the commission found the charge was not proved
does not mean that the FA made any errors in putting the case together.

'The commission has to make a decision based on the applicable standards of
proof, which is balance of probability.'

Speaking after Sulley Muntari's penalty gave Pompey a shock victory at Old
Trafford, Ferguson felt his side had earlier had a blatant spot-kick denied when
Cristiano Ronaldo was blocked by Sylvain Distin.

'It's absolutely ridiculous,' Ferguson said. 'I cannot explain it. Managers
get sacked because of things like that and he's going to referee a game next
week.'

He added: 'He (Hackett) is not doing his job properly and he needs to be
assessed.

'I'm assessed as a manager, players are assessed, referees should be assessed
properly by the right people. That performance today should not be accepted by
our game.'